The Oscar nominations are in.
Was Margaret Qualley overlooked forThe Substance?
Did Jeremy Strong deserve a nomination over Denzel Washington?
All that is water under the bridge now.
What remains is the nominees.
Who should win and why?
But going forward the movies and contributions we thinkwill win will be bolded.
The ones we thinkshould win will be italicized.
Andtheyll be bothwhen the choices are one in the same.
But you know who did get into that category?
Paul Guilhaume forEmilia Perez, a nod that added to the films massive 13-nomination haul.
The Brutalistis impressive work.
However, it is also brooding, pensive, and ultimately pessimistic about the American immigrant experience.
It is one reason why perceived frontrunnerThe Power of the Doglost toCODAin 2022 (andPowerwasnt 3.5 hours).
There are plenty of reasons whyEmilia Perezcould still lose.
No, not the social media hate.
Furthermore,Emiliaappeals to the international members of the Academy which are less concerned with American culture wars.
Though truth be told we still had a lot more fun with Coralie Fargeats mischievous rage inThe Substance.
We wont be upset to see Moore have her long overdue moment on the Oscar stage.
Does that change the fact she is going to win?
Not anymore than it did for Viola Davis inFencesor Tatum ONeal inPaper Moon.
And Saldana really is wonderful inEmilia Perez, a fact even its harshest critics must begrudge.
Theyll likely put the animated mini-epic about a catand which was also nominated for Best International Featureover the top.
Its Netflix status might be a hindrance for the top prize, but definitely not here.
Even so, the tragedy and heartbreak inThe Seed of the Sacred Figfeels a lot more authentic.
You never truthfully are certain where the movie is going.
ButNosferatuactually felt transportive into a different time and place.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
A Different ManEmilia PerezNosferatuThe SubstanceWicked
Did you watchThe Substance?
Did you see the Monstro Elisa-Sue?
Yeah, so did we.
Hats off to you all, Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stephanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli.
